New Delhi, October 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked several world leaders for their warm wishes as he completed 25 consecutive years as the head of a government, highlighting India’s partnerships and its continued engagement with countries across different regions.
Modi began his journey as head of government as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, and went on to become Prime Minister in 2014. On the occasion marking the milestone, leaders from several countries conveyed their greetings to him.
Thanking Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Modi described India and Nigeria as close partners and important voices of the Global South. He said he looked forward to continuing cooperation to strengthen the two countries’ Strategic Partnership and work towards shared global objectives.
“Thank you, President Tinubu. India and Nigeria are close partners and leading voices of the Global South. I look forward to continuing our cooperation to further strengthen our Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for a more inclusive, prosperous and peaceful world,” Modi posted on X.
The Prime Minister also thanked Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for his message, saying India attaches importance to its longstanding friendship with the Caribbean nation.
“India deeply values its enduring friendship with Dominica,” Modi said, adding that both countries would continue working together for shared progress and prosperity.
Responding to Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Modi expressed his appreciation for the wishes and said he looked forward to building on the positive momentum in India-Belgium relations.
“Thank you, Prime Minister Bart De Wever, for your wonderful wishes. I look forward to working with you to build on the positive momentum in our relations and further strengthen our bilateral partnership,” he wrote.
Modi also thanked Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasising the importance India attaches to its Strategic Partnership with the Philippines.
“India deeply values its Strategic Partnership with the Philippines. I look forward to our continued engagement and further deepening of the friendship between our nations,” Modi said in his response.
The Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation to Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay for his heartfelt message and highlighted the close ties between India and Bhutan.
“India and Bhutan are bound by an enduring partnership rooted in mutual trust and understanding,” Modi said, adding that he looked forward to further cooperation to advance the shared vision of Viksit Bharat and a prosperous Bhutan.
Modi also thanked Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko for his greetings and expressed his willingness to work towards strengthening bilateral ties.
“I deeply appreciate your warm wishes, President Duma Boko. India greatly values the friendship with Botswana and I look forward to working together to further strengthen our close ties,” he wrote on X.
The messages came as Modi marked 25 years of uninterrupted leadership at the head of a government. He was appointed Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, succeeding Keshubhai Patel, at a challenging period for the state. Gujarat was dealing with the aftermath of the devastating Bhuj earthquake as well as political and administrative challenges.
Modi remained Gujarat Chief Minister until 2014, when he moved to national politics after leading the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha elections. He subsequently became Prime Minister and has served three consecutive terms.
Over the past decade at the Centre, India’s international engagement has expanded across regions and forums. The government has placed emphasis on strengthening relations with major powers, expanding partnerships with developing countries and increasing India’s role in the Global South.
Modi’s responses to the congratulatory messages also underlined the government’s continued emphasis on bilateral partnerships, strategic cooperation and shared development objectives as India engages with countries across Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the Indo-Pacific.
